Disposal of asbestos waste

Equipment and method sheet

What this sheet covers

This sheet describes good practice when you need to dispose of asbestos waste.

Any asbestos product or material that is ready for disposal is defined as asbestos waste. Asbestos waste also includes contaminated building materials, tools that cannot be decontaminated, personal protective equipment and damp rags used for cleaning. If in doubt, always treat waste as ‘Hazardous’ or ‘Special’. See the table for more details.

England and Wales

Asbestos waste is ‘Hazardous Waste’ when it contains more than 0.1 % asbestos. The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 apply. Complete a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note. Contact the Environment Agency for more information in England. Contact Natural Resources Wales for more information in Wales.

Scotland

Asbestos waste is ‘Special Waste’ when it contains more than 0.1 % asbestos. The Special Waste Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004 apply. Complete a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note. Contact the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for more information.

England, Scotland and Wales

All asbestos waste is subject to Schedule 2 of The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and most waste is subject to The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009). CDG does not apply to firmly-bound asbestos – asbestos cement or articles with asbestos reinforcement which do not release hazardous or respirable fibres easily. However, the hazardous and special waste regulations still apply. CDG applies for all other asbestos waste.

Caution: Don't mix asbestos waste with other waste to get below 0.1 %.

- Waste must be packed in UN-approved packaging with a CDG hazard label and asbestos code information visible.
- Double-wrap and label asbestos waste. Standard practice is to use a red inner bag with asbestos warnings, and a clear outer bag with the CDG label, if required. Avoid breaking up large pieces of asbestos waste. Instead double wrap in suitable polythene sheeting (1000-gauge) and label accordingly.

To transport waste, you need a waste carriers licence.

If you carry waste, use a sealed skip, or a vehicle with the following:

- segregated compartment for asbestos;
- easily cleanable;
- lockable (it is not good enough to throw sheeting over a standard skip).

Otherwise, arrange for transport by a registered waste carrier.

Safe disposal – make sure you use a licensed disposal site.

Complete a Waste Consignment Note. Keep copies of these documents for three years.

All waste should be double-bagged or double-wrapped in plastic sheeting, with the correct hazard warning signs attached.

Use a lockable skip for asbestos cement sheet.

It is not good enough to throw sheeting over a standard skip.

For information about health and safety, or to report inconsistencies or inaccuracies in this guidance, visit www.hse.gov.uk/.

You can view HSE guidance online and order priced publications from the website. HSE priced publications are also available from bookshops.

This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance is not compulsory, unless specifically stated, and you are free to take other action. But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance.

This document is available at: www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/essentials/

© Crown copyright If you wish to reuse this information visit www.hse.gov.uk/copyright.htm for details.

First published as part of Asbestos essentials task manual 2001.

Published by the Health and Safety Executive 09/17